This research takes place in the AIDE¹ project [1] and is an extension of the INRETS-LESCOT previous work done in CEMVOCAS² project [2]. Synthetically, LESCOT objective in AIDE is to design and develop a Drivers Availability Estimator module (DAE) in charge to assess drivers' ability to receive and process information while driving. In order to study drivers' level of availability, an experiment has been conducted on open road, in real driving conditions. This paper will present the methodology carried out and the data collected. Thirty drivers have participated to this experiment. They had to drive an experimental car by using a guidance system. They also had to describe visual and auditory information displayed by a home made device introduced on the car. After driving, participants were interviewed in order to collect their opinion concerning the message impact on the primary driving task.

This paper will present the method used and the main results obtained. Then, we will discuss the concept of "availability" according to the driving conditions (current road infrastructure, goal followed, driving action carried out and event occurrences), and we will present the interest and the validity of this method for "demanding driving situation" classification, witch is the main goal of the DAE module diagnosis.